JICA commits over INR 1,473 crores to combat climate change and enhance ecosystems in Rajasthan

New Delhi, February 20, 2024: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Loan Agreement with an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of JPY 26,133 million (approximately INR 1,473 crores) for the Project for Climate Change Response and Ecosystem Services Enhancement in Rajasthan.

The project aims to respond to climate change and enhance ecosystem services through afforestation, forest conservation, biodiversity conservation and eco-restoration, livelihood improvement activities and institutional strengthening of the Rajasthan Forest Department, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Rajasthan.

The loan agreement for the project was signed between Mr. Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India office said, "JICA has supported 5 forestry projects in Rajasthan since 1991 and I am delighted to start the new project, which will contribute to climate change adaptation by improving ecosystem services and sand dune stabilization. The afforestation activities under the project will be expected to absorb approximately 76,000 tons of CO2 per year. In addition, under the new project, JICA and Rajasthan Forest Department are planning to commence a pilot project in 2024 for aggregating data of forest management including carbon stock. This initiative is to pave the way for an easier and smoother way of carbon credit generation. We hope our support will contribute to India’s sustainable development and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of reaching net-zero by 2070. "

The project is expected to contribute to afforestation of 43,436 hectare, create 15 million man-days of employment, and benefit over 2 lakh direct beneficiaries through various capacity building and livelihood enhancement initiatives. There is also a special focus on gender empowerment with a minimum target of 33% female participation in the project.

The figures are calculated with current exchange ratio: INR 1/- = JPY 1.7743700/-

About JICA
Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries like India and provides assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation so that emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

For further information, please contact: